003; video

[beathach]

Who: Charles and Hank + You Losers
Broadcast: Video
Action: SS Blameless
When: Right Now

[two old nerds appear on screen, unboxing a large colouring create with "Congratulations On Your One Year Anniversary!" written on the side in big, bold letters. Inside appears to be plushies of DNA, antibodies, and other related paraphernalia.

Of course, while doing this they're sharing the popular "rumors" about them out loud, for their own amusement. Or bemusement, either or]

Let’s see . . . 'Aliens stole Charles' hair.' I can’t say that’s wrong.

In a manner of speaking, sure.

What else . . . 'Hank is a beast in bed'. Hank, you sly devil.

—No comment.

Hmm. 'Hank and Charles are the perfect couple'. I think our students got a hold of this one.

Huh. I just read one lamenting our divorce.

Hold on, what’s this?

[ Charles pulls out a business card ]

Well now . . . I guess I’ll be keeping this.

[Hank's response is to burst into laughter. What a helper]

Comments

[outstandingbalance]

Maybe, but seems pretty safe to say most people have had a situation get away from them one time or another.

Especially people here.

[axiomed]

So what are you trying to get away from?

[outstandingbalance]

That's a hell of a question.

[axiomed]

I won't be offended if you don't answer.

[outstandingbalance]

Not sure there's an easy way to answer it.

[axiomed]

There probably isn't. All the questions or doubts we hold never have easy ways to discuss or draw out, with friends or strangers.

[outstandingbalance]

So why ask?

[axiomed]

Because it's important to ask. Because sometimes, we can't leave it all buried.

[ At least that's Charles' stance on it. He's tried burying it or pretending it didn't matter or even flat out ignorance. None of those solutions had worked. ]

[outstandingbalance]

We can certainly try.

[Natasha must have whole graveyards at this point, and once you started excavating the past, it was hard to stop with just one question.

Besides, the real problems were the things you couldn't leave behind or bury.]

[axiomed]

That's all we can do. But it's never a guarantee.

[outstandingbalance]

There are very few guarantees in this world.

[She could probably continue to dodge. Or she could refuse to answer outright. He already gave her permission, and even if he hadn't, it would have been her right. But she doesn't commit to it.

Instead, after a pause, she says:]

I wonder what you know about me sometimes. From Barnes and Wanda.

[axiomed]

[ That's an unusual question and it takes Charles a moment. ]

Winter didn't know you that well at the time. And his memories are . . . difficult to parse. Wanda's are more linear, but even she had only gotten to know you recently.

But I rarely draw on those memories unless the situation calls for it. I'm not eager to play an all-knowing role. Those memories are my connection, my link. They're not meant to be used.

[outstandingbalance]

But you've seen them.

[She's not accusing. It's just... relevant. She shakes her head.]

So you probably have a few ideas what's behind me. Even if it's not about me specifically.

[axiomed]

[ He nods. ]

I suppose I do. Though they're not my own so I rarely call on them. That divide is important to a telepath. We can't get carried away.

[outstandingbalance]

I appreciate the effort. [Even if she's skeptical that it can be that cut and dried.]

[axiomed]

[ It's not, but Charles is nothing if not stringent on these matter. ]

Does it bother you that I got an impression from someone else?

[outstandingbalance]

Not exactly. But it would have put a different color on the conversation if you knew more.

[axiomed]

I barely know what "more" entails, I'm afraid.

[outstandingbalance]

Might be better that way.

[axiomed]

Do you believe that?

[outstandingbalance]

I can.

[axiomed]

The things a human being can do when it comes to the mind are infinite.

[ But Charles is easily away that's not a yes. ]

[outstandingbalance]

[It's complicated.]

You're not wrong about that.

[axiomed]

[ He shrugs. Being right isn't that important. ]

I only . . . wanted to talk.

[outstandingbalance]

I don't mind talking. I'm just not my favorite topic.